Why Does Alcohol Make You Pee? Unraveling The Science Behind It
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Alcohol consumption is a common practice in social gatherings, celebrations, and for relaxation. While having a drink or two might not seem like a big deal, it can have a noticeable impact on our body’s functions, particularly when it comes to urination. Many people have noticed that they need to urinate more often when they drink alcohol.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the connection of alcohol to increased urination. We’ll also debunk some common myths about “breaking the seal” and discuss the impact of alcohol on hydration and various factors affecting the diuretic effect of alcohol. Finally, we will provide some practical tips on managing the urge to urinate while drinking alcohol and the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption. Lastly, we will answer a few frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Researchers have found that regular consumption of alcohol may double the risk of kidney disease or kidney damage, even without excessive drinking. If you are experiencing signs like swelling of the feet and legs due to fluid retention, numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes, loss of appetite and a metallic taste in the mouth, I suggest it’s best to consult a doctor.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
One main reason for frequent urination when you drink alcohol is its effect on your kidneys.
Our kidneys are key in keeping fluid balance in check. They filter our blood and make urine. This urine then moves to the bladder through tubes called ureters. When the bladder gets full, there’s an urge to urinate.
Alcohol in your blood can throw off the stable hormone control of water balance. It can change the number of particles per fluid amount in your blood. In turn, this makes your kidneys make more urine than drinking water does. The more you drink, the more you need to urinate.
To my knowledge, when someone consistently consumes alcohol, their body may develop a tolerance to its diuretic effects. This means that over time, with regular drinking, the body might become less sensitive to the diuretic impact of alcohol, resulting in decreased urinary frequency despite alcohol consumption.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Drugs that increase urine production are called as diuretics or diuretic drugs. Some other substances may also do the same, that is, they can exert a diuretic action. Alcohol is one such substance.
ADH has a big part in controlling how much urine is made in the body. It’s released when there’s a lack of water in our body or a higher-than-normal solute-fluid ratio in our blood. This signal tells the kidneys to hold more water back in the body and reduce urine production.
ADH production is slashed when alcohol is in your bloodstream. This can disrupt our body’s fluid balance resulting in increased urine production. Thus, when you consume a drink, the alcohol halts the release of ADH and there’s no signal for reducing urine formation, so too much urine gets made.
Did you know?
I recently read a study which says that alcohol functions as a diuretic, leading to increased urinary frequency. The diuretic effect varies among alcoholic beverages, with those higher in alcohol content contributing to a more significant increase in urine output compared to nonalcoholic drinks.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Though alcohol has diuretic effects, some factors can affect how much it makes you urinate.
The strength of an alcoholic drink can shape its urine-producing ability. Stronger alcoholic drinks like wines and spirits make more urine than beer.
Regular drinkers may become unfazed by alcohol’s diuretic effect.
Your urinating frequency after drinking depends on how much water you’ve had before drinking. Drinking less water beforehand could mean less urine formation later on. But it is essential to hydrate yourself post drinking to avoid dehydration.
Many would have heard the phrase “breaking the seal”. It’s the idea that once you urinate after your first drink, it has set the stage for more urinating episodes to follow and you’re doomed to urinate often for the rest of the night. Well, this is a myth and there’s no scientific basis to this claim.
Also Read: Will Alcohol Kill Lice: Debunking Common Home Remedies
Bedwetting may happen if you drink over the limit. Let’s delve into the reasons why this may happen.
Drinking till you drop disrupts regular body functions. For instance, you may not wake up when your bladder is full, letting bedwetting happen.
Bedwetting risk factors after drinking include having a lot of alcohol, having a sleep disorder, or a urinary tract infection.
To avoid waking up in a wet bed, drink responsibly and stay hydrated.
Keep these tips in mind for a dry night’s sleep.
Also Read: Sober October: What It Is and Tips for Success
What does “moderate” mean, and how safe is it when it comes to drinking alcohol.
Using the term ‘Moderate’ means having a drink or two in a day that doesn’t harm health.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, light drinking means the following.
One regular drink equals:
Drinking moderately may help avoid fluid imbalance, high blood pressure, and cause less damage to the liver.
By understanding the factors that lead to lots of urination after drinking, we may help ourselves lessen the urge to urinate.
Some tips that may help reduce the urge to urinate include:
Understanding why alcohol makes you urinate more may help you decide how much to drink. Whether it’s for a good time out or just for that buzz, keep in mind, that nothing is better than plain water for keeping you hydrated. Try to stick to moderate drinking and stay hydrated before and after drinking.
A: Mixing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and drinking water along with alcohol does wonders for your hydration levels.
A: Yes, spirits and wines tend to increase your urination frequency more than beer because of their higher alcohol content.
A: Holding off urine too often increases urinary tract infection risk. So, you should urinate whenever you feel like it.
A: Yes, heavy drinking can heighten kidney disease risk by two-fold. That’s why it’s wise to drink moderately.
A: Nope, urinating doesn’t sober you up faster. Your body takes care of processing alcohol naturally over time. But urinating doesn’t speed up alcohol’s exit from your bloodstream.
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